Final answer:
To fulfill the minimum exercise guidelines without opting for moderate exercise, it is recommended to engage in vigorous exercise for at least 75 to 150 minutes per week, which can be achieved by performing vigorous-intensity physical activity on 3 days of the week.
Step-by-step explanation:
To meet minimum exercise requirements, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that adults should engage in 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) to 150 minutes (2 hours and 30 minutes) per week of vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity. This recommendation is made with the aim of accruing substantial health benefits. Therefore, spreading the vigorous exercise throughout the week evenly would typically mean engaging in vigorous exercise on 3 days each week. This level of physical activity is associated with a reduction in the risk of chronic diseases and an improvement in overall health.